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Boil Water Notice lifted for Deelish Public Water Supply

11 November 2021

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, would like to inform customers supplied by the Deelish public water supply that the boil water notice issued on the supply on 28 October has been lifted with immediate effect.

Following consultation with the HSE, Uisce Éireann and Waterford City and County Council are advising customers that the drinking water can now be consumed as normal.

It was necessary to issue the boil water notice on 28 October due to issues at the water treatment plant, which may have compromised water quality. Uisce Éireann operation and compliance experts worked with colleagues in Waterford City and County Council to carry out the necessary works at the plant to enable the notice to be lifted as quickly as possible.

Uisce Éireann’s Asset Operations Lead, Ronan Walsh, commented: “Uisce Éireann and Waterford City and County Council would like to thank the customers who were affected by this notice for their patience and cooperation while essential works were carried out at the water treatment plant to ensure the notice could be lifted as quickly as possible. 

Uisce Éireann acknowledges the impact and inconvenience caused by the imposition of a boil water notice to homes and businesses. Our priority is the provision of safe, clean drinking water and safeguarding that water supply for the future is a vital focus.

Should customers have any queries regarding the lifting of this notice they can check out the Supply and Service Updates section of our website or contact us directly on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

Previous Updates

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Waterford County Council wish to advise customers on the Deelish Public Water Supply that due to issues at the water treatment plant, which may have compromised water quality, and following consultation with the Health Service Executive, that a Boil Water Notice is being put in place with immediate effect to protect the health of consumers.

This notice applies to all consumers on the Deelish Public Water Supply. All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking. A map detailing the areas affected is attached. 

Water must be boiled (rolling boil for 1 minute and then cooled) for:

  • Drinking
  • Preparing Drinks made with water
  • Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating
  • Brushing of teeth and/or gargling
  • Making of ice. However, ensure you first discard all existing ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges

IMPORTANT: Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap of kitchen or bathroom sinks is not safe to drink.

You do not have to boil your water for the following:

  • Personal hygiene, baths and showers
  • Flushing of toilets
  • Watering plants and flowers

Caution:

  • Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink
  • Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water
  • Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water
  • If you have pets and are concerned about the impact of providing mains water while this BWN is in place, you should ask your local vet for advice

Only use Prepared Water (boiled and cooled) for the following situations.

  • When preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing and preparing salads)
  • Preparing Infant Formula. Where a Boil Water Notice is in place, you can prepare infant formula from tap water that has been boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled beforehand. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. ‘Natural Mineral Water’ can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled in the normal way. Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used.

Always Take Care:
Care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds. Accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

How long before the boil water notice can be lifted?
We do not know at present, but Uisce Éireann and Waterford County Council will continue to liaise and consult with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice as soon as practicable

How will we keep you informed?
You will be kept informed through the following media:
Website: www.water.ie

Customer queries should be directed to Uisce Éireann Customer Contact Centre on 1800 278 278. Vulnerable customers who have registered their details with Uisce Éireann will be directly contacted. Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.